Journalist’s body found buried in septic tank in India

The journalist’s body was found on January 3 in the state of Chhattisgarh, after his phone was located when his family reported him missing. Three people were arrested.

More than 10,000 people have been killed during the insurgency spurred by Maoist Naxalite rebels, who claim to be fighting for the rights of marginalized indigenous populations in India’s resource-rich central regions.

Vishnu Deo Sai, chief minister of Chhattisgarh and a member of the country’s ruling party, described Chandrakar’s death as “tragic” and promised the “severest punishment” for those responsible.

Last year, India ranked 159th in the press freedom index, established annually by the organization Reporters Without Borders. The list includes 180 countries.